Other State Information

State-Wide Trail News

The Trails Division of the Department of Natural Resources is working with our federal, state, county, municipal and private partners on a wide variety of projects. Not every project listed below is necessarily a DNR initiative; for some we are merely providing technical assistance.

The projects listed below involve multiple government and private initiatives and are not necessarily DNR projects.

April 2015 June 2015

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN RECREATIONAL TRAILS GRANTS TO FUND 54 PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE

Grants Will Support Enhanced Recreational Opportunities

BALTIMORE, MD (November 20, 2014)– Improving Maryland’s recreational trail networks and supporting healthy lifestyles, the State Highway Administration (SHA) today announced $1.4 million in grants to fund 54 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) projects across the State. The 2015 grant recipients include six counties, five municipalities and 13 non-profit organizations. Work includes constructing new trails, maintaining existing trails, purchasing equipment and signage.

“Transportation is about more than highways, planes, trains and buses,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “These grants provide opportunities for travel that support healthy lifestyles, reduce impacts on the environment and give us an up-close look at the beauty of our state.”

Some of the grant-awarded projects include:

Great Allegany Passage (GAP) Trailhead: $20,000 to establish directional and informational signage at three trailheads along the GAP in Allegany County;

Rowing & Kayak Water Access: $40,000 to provide a launch site for paddle craft to obtain access to the Wicomico River in Salisbury;

Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Oyster House: $38,890 to provide bicyclists, walkers, and other visitors with a wide range of recreational and educational amenities associated with the Oyster House site in Talbot County, including a working waterfront trail through live exhibits and a watershed restoration landscape;

Gwynn’s Falls Trail Wayfinding Improvements: $9,500 to the Park & People Foundation to improve signage and engage students and families in educational related maintenance activities along the Gwynn’s Falls Trail in Baltimore City;

South Mountain Recreation Area Ridge Runners: $15,136 to aid the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in managing and protecting the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in a high-use area near Annapolis Rock.

The RTP focuses trail investments on missing links in the statewide trail network and helps enhance existing State investment areas, including designated Scenic Byways, Heritage Areas and/or Main Streets. SHA partners with DNR, other State agencies and trail user groups to solicit and select projects that enhance economic development, transportation, environment and public health. For more information on the Recreational Trails Program, please visit http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=98.

The Maryland Department of Transportation adopted an updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in January 2014. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan establishes a 20-year vision to support cycling and walking as modes of transportation in Maryland. Learn more at www.mdot.maryland.gov/BikeWalkPlan.

$16 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR KEY BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN & TRAIL PROJECTS – MDOT to Hold Public Workshops to Discuss Funding Sources and Project Requirements – As part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s vision of building a true multi-modal transportation system, staff from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and State Highway Administration (SHA) will hold regional workshops to detail four programs that provide funding for bicycling, pedestrian and recreational trail projects throughout Maryland: Bikeways, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives, Federal Lands Access Program and Recreational Trails.

In 2014, $16 million in reimbursable grant funding will be available for projects that enhance walking, biking, pedestrian safety and recreational trail and federal lands access. MDOT and SHA officials will discuss available funding sources, project eligibility / requirements and funding cycles.

For more information on the Bikeways, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives, Federal Lands Access and Recreational Trails programs, please visit the following sites:

Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pleased to announce the release of the Twenty-Year Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The final Plan can be accessed via: www.mdot.maryland.gov/bikewalkplan.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan establishes a 20-year vision to support cycling and walking as modes of transportation in Maryland. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan supports the Maryland Transportation Plan, or "MTP", and other key statewide planning efforts. This Plan updates the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan adopted in 2002 and, going forward, will be updated every five years.

MDOT thanks all participants for their contributions to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. We look forward to continuing to work together with all partners to improve walking and biking in Maryland, using this Plan as a foundation.

MTA Announces New Bike Car For MARC Train Weekend Riders – One year after the start of MARC Train weekend service, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced the addition of a new, full-size bike car enabling passengers on select MARC weekend Penn Line trains to bring full-sized, non-collapsible bicycles onboard. Currently, MARC permits foldable bicycles onboard all three weekday commuter train lines (Penn, Camden and Brunswick). The new bike car will be attached to a designated weekend Penn Line train between Martin State Airport, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The bike car currently will accommodate 16 full-size bicycles and can be expanded to accommodate up to 26 full-size bicycles. As new multi-level commuter rail cars have been added to the MARC Train system, MTA crews refurbished an older single level car to create the new bike car. Aside from bicycles, this new “modular” car also will have available seating for 40 commuters with the current configuration. Modular cars also can be set up for different accommodations as needed. There will be no additional cost for passengers who bring bicycles onboard the bike car and accommodations are first come first served. Depending on customer demand, a second bike car may be added to the Penn Line weekend service in 2015.

Critical Trail Links – DNR, the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland State Highway Administration continue to explore making critical On-Road & Off Road Connections between BWI Trail & Patapsco State Park, and from the Torrey C. Brown Trail to the Baltimore City trail system.

MDP, Partner Organizations Win Prestigious National Planning Award - Honor Recognizes Business Certification Program Tied to Western Maryland Trail - The Maryland Department of Planning, which was instrumental in creating a certification program that draws users of a popular western Maryland hiker-biker trail to patronize businesses in western Maryland towns, will receive a national planning achievement award from the American Planning Association (APA), the agency learned this week.

The Trail Town Program® and Certified Trail Friendly program are cooperative efforts by MDP, the Allegheny Trail Alliance and The Progress Fund to revitalize a 150-mile corridor of trailside communities along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). The three organizations shared a national achievement award for innovation in economic planning and development for the submission "Trail Towns: Boosting Appalachian Communities Through Tourism."

"By taking strategic action, we're building on trailside community assets and strengthening links between retail establishments and hikers and cyclists on the GAP Trail," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "These award-winning initiatives reflect the bold vision of planners and local and regional partners, adding value to a popular recreation route and creating economic spin-off benefits in Appalachian communities."

APA's National Planning Excellence and Achievement Awards honor planning efforts that create communities of lasting value. The economic planning and development award went to projects that demonstrated innovation and vision, achieved momentum and public support, integrated planning efforts and made a difference in people's lives over the long term.

2014 award recipients will be honored at APA's National Planning Conference in Atlanta in April.

The Certified Trail Friendly program builds on the economic benefits of recreational tourism by strengthening links between trail users and local businesses. The program encourages trail users to visit participating businesses - restaurants, bike shops, hotels and more - along the GAP trail in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The result: increased profitability for participating business and an improved experience for trail users, who number in the hundreds of thousands each year.

According to a 2008 study by the Allegheny Trail Alliance, business owners indicated that one-quarter of their gross revenue was directly attributed to trail users because of their proximity to the trail. More than one-quarter of surveyed businesses mentioned that they have or plan to expand their operations or hire additional staff because of the impact of the trail.

The business certification program provides a model of how a good idea, aided by collaboration and good planning, can revitalize downtowns in cities such as Cumberland and Frostburg.

Accohannock Indian Water Trail – On June 13, there will be a paddle on the Accohannock Indian Water Trail provided through Preservation Maryland. In 2013, Preservation Maryland included 12 endangered indigenous landscapes on their Endangered Maryland list that the Indian Commission nominated. Preservation Maryland has been a true champion in bringing awareness to these large and significant landscapes and they are making this water trail opportunity available to educate about the total realm of significant resources that it highlights and depends upon.

Allegany County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan – The focus of Allegany County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is connecting communities. The connections between the trails and towns will offer more than recreational activities, but also provide for transportation and bring economic benefits. Among the projects described in the plan is connecting the town of Mount Savage to Frostburg and the Great Allegheny Passage, while creating a small loop trail that supports the Great Allegheny Passage. The new connection would primarily make use of an abandoned rail bed to connect the two towns. Another project would rehabilitate the tunnel under Frostburg’s Main Street to restore a connection between the GAP and Frostburg, according to the plan. The proposed trail heads south from the tunnel to become the Georges Creek Rail Trail ending in Westernport. The trail will provide a “backbone” to link all the parks in Frostburg, according to the plan. Another project would connect Dan’s Mountain State Park to the Dan’s Rock Overlook Park by a hiking and biking trail. http://www.gov.allconet.org/ACT/121128_MasterPlan_Booket.pdf

Anacostia Trail – The D.C. Department of Transportation received a $10 million TIGER Grant, combined with $3.5 million from the District and $1.5 million from Maryland, to complete four missing miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths on the Kenilworth Gardens Trail, connecting hundreds of miles of existing trail networks in Maryland and DC. This path will create new options for bicycle commuters and bring economic and health benefits to communities along the trail. The overall project includes the construction of five bridges, raised pathways, and multi-use paths. It will connect 16 waterfront neighborhoods to the Anacostia River, as well as the Southwest Waterfront, the Nationals baseball stadium, the Navy Yard, RFK Stadium, the National Arboretum, and other popular destinationshttp://www.pgparks.com/Your_Parks/Trails/Anacostia_Tributary_Trail_System.htm

Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan – The City of Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan, which will guide the City over the next 5-10 years in developing a comprehensive program for cycling. This program includes facilities, policies as well as education tools for both cyclists and drivers.

Carroll County Trails Plan – Carroll County is undertaking the Freedom Trail Master Plan. The Freedom Trail will eventually connect to Patapsco Valley State Park. http://carrollcountytourism.org/

Cecil County Bicycle Master Plan – WILMAPCO,the Metropolitan Planning Organization which includes Cecil County, met with Towns and the County to present the final document and recommendations. The 2012 Cecil County Bicycle Plan was adopted by the Cecil County Board of Commissioners, Towns, and the WILMAPCO Council. Binding the final document is delayed, awaiting an extra item in the appendices. You can download it from here: www.wilmapco.org/bikececil. Please note, this current online version has a placeholder in the appendices, and will be updated as soon as possible.

Citizen Soldiers Trail (CST) – Mr. Robert Reyes, the CST trail champion, has been meeting with various federal, state and county officials about the trail that runs from North Point State Park through Baltimore County land, making it a local government project supported by DNR. For a trail map, please go to: http://www.nps.gov/waro/planyourvisit/directions.htm. Contact: Robert Reyes robertereyes@yahoo.com

Governor Harry Nice Bridge - The 70 year old Governor Harry Nice Bridge spans the Potomac to connect Charles County MD with King George County VA via US 301. The 5 year planning phase of the Harry Nice Bridge rebuilding was just completed when the Federal Highway Administration approved the Alternate 7 proposal which includes a two way bicycle/pedestrian path.

Goucher Poll Asks Marylanders About State Park Use, Services – The Goucher Poll asked Maryland residents for their perspectivesregarding Maryland state parks. Results reveal a majority of residents have visited a state park during the last year, and a large majority of those visitors had a positive overall experience. Click here to view the Goucher Poll.

Howard County Trails – The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks offer an extensive system (183 miles) of natural surface trails and paved pathways with the park and open space lands located in the County. Opportunities exist for hiking, biking, horseback riding, trail running and bird watching. Here is the link: http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HowardCountyParks.htm

Howard County Bicycle Master Plan – Howard County is developing its first Bicycle Transportation Master Plan. The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is the lead agency administering the planning process. To ensure a comprehensive look at bicycling, DPZ has secured the involvement of a number of other county agencies including the Office of the County Executive, the County Council and Department of Public Works. Visit the Technical Advisory Group page for a list of agencies and representatives involved. http://bikehoward.com/

Maryland Appalachian Trail Club – The 2015 Funding for the Maryland Ridge Runner Program has been approved by DNR, the Appalachian Trail Club, and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

Montgomery County Trails Master Plan – M-NCPPC, Montgomery County Department of Parks is updating the Countywide Park Trails Plan. This plan serves as the guide for park trails of countywide significance, both hard and natural surface. Since last fall, they have been meeting monthly with a “Trails Working Group” (TWG), which consists of representatives from the major trail user groups, to discuss various plan objectives and policy issues. The TWG is helping to advise and guide our planning process for the amendment. http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/transportation/bikeways/A_A/contents.shtm
Contact: Farquhar, Brooke Brooke.Farquhar@montgomeryparks.org

Parkers Creek Trails – The American Chestnut Land Trust has developed a wonderful trail network around the north and south side of the Parker Creek Watershed in Calvert County. The Parkers Creek watershed has been identified as a major green infrastructure hub by DNR, which currently owns 1,780 acres in the watershed and is actively working to acquire additional lands to be managed by ACLT. Contact: Karen Edgecombe: kedgecombe@acltweb.orghttp://www.acltweb.org/

In Memory of former PHG President Kit Valentine– Kit Valentine loved the outdoors and from the earliest years of his life, he has loved to build trails. When Kit was 17, he earned his Eagle Scout Award by building a trail in the Patapsco Valley State Park. He earned a college degree in Forestry Management and has been active in trail development ever since.

If you look at the Patapsco Heritage Greenway website at www.patapscoheritagegreenway.org, you will discover that every project and accomplishment listed, Kit Valentine has contributed in some way, that has impacted thousands of people. Kit was involved with P.H.G. from its infancy, became President and served on our Board of Directors since 2000. Through his guidance, vision and leadership, we were able to accomplish so much, making a positive difference in preserving, protecting and enhancing the history, heritage and natural resources of the Patapsco Valley. He can see the fruits of his efforts and vision of the Patapsco Valley becoming a certified greenway is almost a reality.

Kit had very active roles in the Grist Mill Trail, Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Friends of Patapsco State Park, #9 Trolley Line, #8 Streetcar Path, the Catonsville Short Line Trail, Mt. Airy Trail and the East Coast Greenway. Kit has worked with the scouts, schools and hundreds of community volunteers to share his knowledge and vast experience.

A portion of the Catonsville Short Line Trail, near Maiden Choice Lane, has been named the "Kit Valentine Trail" in his honor.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club – All meetings are at 7 pm at the Greenbrier State Park Visitors Center and are open to the public. Meeting dates can be obtained through ATC's website at: http://www.patc.net/PublicView/

Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) – This agency of the National Park Service established the following priority projects around the Chesapeake Bay in 2013:

Star-Spangled Banner Trail – The comprehensive management plan and environmental assessment for the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is now complete. The plan will guide development and management of the trail. http://www.nps.gov/stsp/index.htm

Susquehanna News Report – The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has recently released its 2012 Progress Report. The report summarizes the work of SGP and its partners in creating places where people are connected to the natural and cultural resources of the Susquehanna and can live active, healthy lives.http://www.hitourtrails.com/

Utility Corridor Trails – PEPCO/Exelon have agreed to proposal to do a pilot trail project. In turn, they want support for the merger. However, even if the merger doesn't go through, PEPCO has now clearly moved away from blanket opposition to trails. The next month or so will clarify the form of the pilot project, as well as what gets written into the merger agreement that gets approved by the Public Service Commission. The Intervenor trails group will be working with PEPCO/Exelon on the details. The pilot trail will run from Cabin John Regional Park to Seneca Creek State Park and the Soccer Megaplex.

WB&A Trail – The 2012 Bikeways Maryland Grant to Anne Arundel County authorized SHA to design the bridge over the Patuxent River. PG County is working with DNR to extend the trail on the P.G. County side of the river to Bowie State University and the MARC station. Anne Arundel County is working with a developer to construct a paved trail to the Patuxent River that will connect to the bridge being funded by the state. A feasibility study for the crossing is currently underway. PG County and DNR are also working on a spur trail between the WB&A and Bowie State University via the Uhler Farm NRMA. SHA is hoping to perform an alternatives analysis to determine the appropriate location for the bridge and recommend that the county conduct public outreach for the project.

9/11 National Memorial Trail – The 1,140-mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail will connect New York City’s National September 11 Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial in Virginia near Washington, DC, and the Flight 93 National Memorial to commemorate the worst terrorist attack in America, and to honor those heroes who gave their all that fateful day. The Pentagon Memorial-to-Flight 93 link will use the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage to Rockwood, but an on-road link is needed at least temporarily from Rockwood to Flight 93. http://www.911memorialtrail.org/

If you are aware of a trail or trail system that is not currently listed on this website, please contact the state Land Trails Planner Steve Carr at
steve.carr@maryland.gov to add a trail to this growing list.